Aerostich / Riderwearhouse - Product and Catalog History

Aero Design & Mfg. Co. Inc. was formed in 1983 to develop a completely new type of textile-based gear for motorcyclists. We wanted to invent a lightweight armored garment offering convenience, comfort, and high levels of protection in bad weather and crashes - all combined in a coverall-type suit made for everyday motorcycle use. That garment was (and still is...) named the Roadcrafter suit.

The new suit needed to be very quick and easy to get on and off, and light enough to wear over regular clothing in warmer weather. Several then-recent textile advances made this new type of garment possible. Two important ones were Gore-Tex breathable membranes and Cordura nylon fabrics. Combining these two (for the first time ever) created a new material that allowed Aerostich to invent the world's first lightweight, armored, abrasion and weather resistant textile motorcycle riders suit.

Sometimes riders did not understand the new Aerostich Roadcrafter's unconventional coverall-inspired design and its advantages. Leather gear was the standard then, so the new Cordura/Gore-tex material's strength, abrasion resistant capabilities and crash-protective qualities (compared to leathers) were unknown and widely suspect. To help 'explain' the garment better we sold them only by mail order, using detailed catalog descriptions. Each suit also came with a four page owner's manual describing how to wear and take care of a Roadcrafter suit.

Today we offer several varieties of advanced technology riders suits and provide extensive alteration and repair services. Textiles provide excellent protection, but they are more sacrificial in crashes than leathers so this is important. From the start, we learned how to provide a precise, accurate fit from telephoned sizing information.

In 1995 we began adding a few related resale items to Aerostich's mail order catalog. Today the catalog offers several thousand specialized products that help make riding better, safer, more comfortable and easier. Many of the 'Aerostich Riderwearhouse' catalog items are unique, or hard to find elsewhere. Please request a catalog.

Every Aerostich manufactured product is subject to a process of continuous incremental refinement. Each is intended to make motorcycling easier, more convenient, more comfortable, safer or better. Selling Aerostich gear factory-direct allows us to provide the best service and prices. Each customer receives expert answers to questions about a product's fit, function, care and use. Since the beginning our operations center and world headquarters has been (...and continues to be) located here.

In 2008 we organized a 25th anniversary party called The Very Boring Rally to thank our customers friends and associates. View pictures from the 2003 Very Boring Rally. We also held a 30th anniversary party in 2013, and a 35th anniversary party in 2018.

Product history video, produced for annual 'Fourth of July Sale', 2009